Pakistanis grappling with inflation will face further financial strain as power tariffs are poised to rise by Rs3.28 per unit each "QTA". The nation is already burdened by exceptionally high electricity bills, prompting widespread protests and many other financial issues. Despite public opposition, the Power Regulator has sanctioned this increase, citing fuel cost adjustments as the reason.
The Rs3.28 per unit tariff increase was implemented under the quarterly tariff adjustment (QTA) system to address the effects of rising interest rates, currency devaluation, and various other factors. Originally, the power division of the energy ministry had requested a larger adjustment of Rs6.20 per unit for the fourth quarter of the 2022-23 fiscal year to bridge a Rs146 billion gap within a three-month period.
NEPRA has forwarded its recent decision to the interim government for approval, and the increased power tariff will be implemented immediately. From October 2023 to March 2024, distribution companies (Discos) aim to collect Rs159 from power consumers. In September, protests erupted in various Pakistani cities due to rising electricity bills, leading to traffic disruptions and bill burnings, but these actions did not lead to a resolution.
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